MOUNT DORA

VIDEO: ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks outMOUNT DORA, Fla. — A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. READ: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driverIn September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentWe went to City Hall today, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside against investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkThe statement by City Manager Patrick Comiskey reads: The City of Mount Dora is actively seeking external assistance in a third-party review of cases that were recently brought to my attention. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation showsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A recent land sale is showing signs of movement for a long-awaited development in Mount Dora and Lake County.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The state rejected a funding request that the Orange-Osceola state attorney said could have helped with an employee shortage. The cost of daycare for one child can cost a parent at least $1,000 a month, but the new daycare would have cost the state attorney employees less than $300 a month. State Attorney Monique Worrell, a mom, showed Channel 9 where her office had grand plans outlined in a proposal to make room for an employee daycare. We have a difficult time hiring and retaining individuals because of the low pay that we’re able to offer,” Worrell said. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkIn addition to funding, Worrell said the office also needs the county to approve renovations to that space.

VIDEO: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driver 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driverMOUNT DORA, Fla. — A driver was Tased by a Mount Dora police officer during a traffic stop while still behind the wheel of a running car. 9 Investigates has learned that is against department policy, but there was no investigation until our team started asking questions. The deputy police chief and the police chief signed off on the report without initiating an internal investigation of the case. READ: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkOn Thursday, Channel 9 found that’s all changed and the department will be investigating because we started asking questions. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentThe officer and his supervisor never arrested the driver for suspicion of DUI, opting for an easier charge because they didn’t want to do the paperwork involved. The chief told Channel 9 last month that he never saw the video until Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones raised questions. They’re investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

VIDEO: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police department Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentMOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora residents are packing a meeting to voice their concerns about issues 9 Investigates has uncovered, which led to the chief’s departure. Police Chief Brett Meade launched a review of the incident after Channel 9′s investigative team started asking questions. The biggest question residents will likely want answered at Tuesday’s meeting is why the city can’t keep a police chief. Krystal Beasley, an employee with the Mount Dora Police Department for seven years, said she was adamant during an interview with internal investigators that she never violated department policy. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

Video: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora The man was hit in the face but wasn’t seriously hurt. (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla, — Mount Dora police are warning residents about people shooting strangers with airsoft guns. The man was hit in the face but wasn’t seriously hurt. Police said men in a blue Honda CRV shot at two groups of people Friday while they were walking downtown. Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130.

The Mount Dora Police Department on Saturday said it was investigating reports of people being shot at in downtown Mount Dora that day and the previous night by men in moving cars with airsoft guns.

After little more than a year in his current position, Mount Dora's police chief is resigning.

Mount Dora police 9 Investigates is reporting ongoing turmoil within the Mount Dora Police Department tied to the retirement of its last chief of police. (WFTV.com News Staff)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. “Serving the citizens of Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career,” Meade said in the news release. “The Mount Dora Police Department is on a stable course and I am honored to serve with men and women so dedicated to serving our community.”READ: Man slammed into car window by Mount Dora officer stunned to learn incident wasn’t investigatedMeade has served with the Mount Dora Police Department since last year. READ: Report notes ‘toxic’ environment at Mount Dora PD: What’s being done to change thatVideo: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. Effective immediately, the Mount Dora police chief wrote in an email Channel 9 obtained, stating that if probable cause exists to charge a suspect with DUI, that arrest is a priority. “If there’s reasonable belief or probable cause to make a DUI arrest, guess what, we make an arrest; doesn’t matter how long the paperwork takes,” Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade said. But that time-consuming paperwork was an issue for the officers who encountered Rutledge, passed out in his parked car.

A middle school student was arrested after bringing a loaded gun to campus on Friday, according to Lake County Schools.

Mount Dora police takedown The Mount Dora police chief is reviewing body camera footage of a takedown to see if procedures were followed or if discipline is necessary. MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Christopher Rutledge said he knew his rights the day he encountered Lake County paramedics and Mount Dora police. “I almost felt like I was being kidnapped because I was like, ‘I’m good,’” Rutledge told Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones. Video: Mount Dora police body camera footage shows takedown during traffic stop The Mount Dora police chief is reviewing body camera footage of a takedown to see if procedures were followed or discipline is necessary. Rutledge said he didn’t realize Mount Dora police never investigated the officer.

The weekend festival celebrating Lake County’s blueberry industry will be held April 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Donnelly Park.

Two employees at the Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary in Mount Dora are accused of stealing pounds of product from the store over a matter of months.

A missing 78-year-old man with Alzheimer’s last seen in Mount Dora was found safe Tuesday, police said.

Stolen Batman comics Mount Dora police looking for man who stole more than $300 worth of comic books (wftv.com)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora police is asking for the public’s help in solving a crime, and you don’t need fancy gadgets or a Batmobile to do so. Police are looking for a man who stole several Batman comic books from Treasure Marts, 2728 W. Old U.S. Highway 441, on Feb. 18, according to police. READ: Orlando-based JetBlue pilot removed from cockpit ahead of takeoff for being drunk, officials sayThe store owners told Channel 9 the suspect frequents the open-air flea market and stole more than 10 comic books totaling more than $300. READ: Alan Ladd Jr., who won Oscar for ‘Braveheart,’ greenlighted ‘Star Wars,’ dead at 84Anyone with information is asked to contact Mount Dora police at 352-735-7121. ©2022 Cox Media Group

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A former Mount Dora city councilman is facing charges for allegedly removing trees from a historic African American Civil War cemetery, according to a Lake County arrest affidavit. Mount Dora police met with a homeowners association board member in refence to a homeowner later identified as Rowlett. Orange County deputies search for missing teenRowlett admitted to detectives that he removed and destroyed trees in an African American Civil War historic cemetery, and that there were two tin grave markers under the refuge from the company that he hired to cut and remove the trees. Rowlett also told police he hired a tree company to remove the trees to keep them falling onto his home. City officials told him the trees do not belong to them and they were part of the HOA for the Country Club of Mount Dora.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The 47th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is underway this weekend. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mardi Gras at Universal and moreThe event was scaled back last year because of the pandemic, with only half as many artists as normal. This year, organizers said about 275 artists are involved. READ: USDA sets new rules for school lunchesThe festival will also feature food trucks and entertainment. Officials said bicycles, skateboards, and pets - except for certified service dogs - are not allowed past the festival entrance.

The festival will start on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and run through Sunday, Feb. 6., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mount Dora High School has raised enough funds to rebuild its football stadium, according to the district.

When Kathryn Wilgus returned from her service as a combat nurse in Afghanistan, she experienced challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. The Navy veteran did not have

Some police departments in Central Florida are rolling out “burglar boxes” as a way to discard of gift wrap and product packaging without letting potential thieves see it first.

Nelson Torres Mount Dora man arrested after being found at Dairy Queen with missing child, 2 others (City of Mount Dora/City of Mount Dora)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A man is facing charges after investigators say they found him at Dairy Queen with three children who weren’t his. Police responded to Spring Harbor Apartments in reference to a report of a missing child. Witnesses who were on scene told officers the child was last seen leaving the apartments in a vehicle with two friends and an unknown adult male. A parent of the missing child made contact with their juvenile-aged child, who told parents that the three of them were in a Dairy Queen drive-thru with a guy from the apartments, police said. He was transported to Lake County Jail and is being charged with interference with child custody.

Mount Dora Christmas bell Since 1973, Mount Dora utility workers have hung the same Christmas bell atop a light pole at the intersection of Clayton Street and Third Avenue. (Mount Dora History Museum)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Since 1973, Mount Dora utility workers have hung the same Christmas bell atop a light pole at the intersection of Clayton Street and Third Avenue. According to the Mount Dora History Museum, the bell was first hung for a little girl with epilepsy, named Melanie Mae Wise. The museum said she loved to drive around with her parents, Fred and June Wise, around town to look at the Christmas decorations. When she could no longer do that, Art Womble, Mount Dora utilities director, decided to hang the decoration on the utility pole outside her home for her to enjoy.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — People in Mount Dora are still looking for answers one year after someone shot and killed a husband and wife inside their small market. Startling surveillance video from that night shows a masked gunman inside the T & N Market barking orders just before he opened fire on the owners. Even though the owners, “Ken” Trinh and “Tina” Nguyen, seemed to comply, the gunman still opened fire and killed the couple. The store just reopened Tuesday for the first time in a year under new ownership. READ: Second victim in Mount Dora convenience store shooting dies, suspect still soughtThere is still a $10,000 reward being offered for information that leads to the killer.

Tuesday marks one year since the shooting that killed the couple who owned T&N Market in Mount Dora.

Mount Doral Police ask for the public's help to find missing man, John Ryals, 43.

Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years.

Residents in Lake County will head to the polls in early November to vote in several races including Mount Dora mayor, Mount Dora city council and Tavares city council.

The indigenous people who called America home before Europeans settled on the land still have a presence here.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Mount Dora man died in a crash late Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before midnight, troopers said a 44-year-old man was eastbound on State Road 46 near Carroll Street when he left the roadway and overturned. They said the man was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. READ: Deputies: Florida toddlers drown in neighbor’s swimming pool after grandmother reports them missingSee a map of the scene below:READ: Police: Father beat 12-year-old, left him in laundry room to dieREAD: Police deny claims that DNA didn’t match Brian Laundrie’s remainsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Mount Dora is about to get conspicuously mellow once again as the Florida Cannabis Festival returns in early November. For a second year, Renninger's Twin...

Over 400 vendors will take over the historic streets of downtown Mount Dora this weekend as part of a popular annual festival.

Less than 12 hours after watching The Villages High School football team dismantle Leesburg in the first-ever meeting between the two neighbors, I ventured out to where it all begins.

Catching gator: A Florida man used a trash bin to capture an alligator at his Mount Dora home. (Bob D'Angelo/Cox Media Group)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — In Florida, capturing an alligator is apparently as easy as taking out the trash. An Army veteran in Central Florida, however, was able to use a trash bin to corral the gator, who had wandered onto his yard in Mount Dora. As Malik approaches the alligator with the 95-gallon, rollable trash bin, the reptile stands its ground at first. Malik then shoves the bin forward and the gator thrashes inside the bin as the man tips the receptacle into an upright position.

The incident occurred Sept. 14 when the suspects began harassing customers, asking for monetary donations for an alleged youth basketball league, which police discovered to be fraudulent.

Through a celebration of courage, dozens came out to see the brand-new sculpture of Mabel Norris Reese.

Mabel Norris Reese A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. (Mount Dora)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. The event scheduled for 10 a.m. at Sunset Park, called “A Celebration of Courage,” will honor journalist Mabel Norris Reese. McCall also launched a rival newspaper to challenge Reese’s Mount Dora Topic. READ: ‘A very worthwhile journey’: Groveland Four monument unveiled in Lake CountyFunding Reese project began with donations from across the country through GoFundMe, and continued with grants from the Mount Dora Public Arts Commission, Mount Dora Community Trust, and other personal contributions.

A man who was released from prison two weeks ago is accused of robbing an 85-year-old woman at knifepoint, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

What we're talking about here is Orlando's best tiny restaurants, where you can feel the heat from the kitchen, the tables are crammed too close together, and you can overhear every conversation from nearby tables. These Orlando restaurants may be small, but the flavor they serve on a daily basis is anything but.

Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Business owners in Mount Dora, Winter Garden and elsewhere across Central Florida said they had a strong summer season, closing in on levels last seen in 2019. Lot of people coming out, some locals, but a lot of out-of-towners.”Ganung’s experience matches reports by Visit Florida. The tourism agency’s Q2 report said domestic travelers had exceeded 2019 levels, but international travel was still down. #ICYMI: @VISITFLORIDA’s marketing helped deliver skyrocketing growth for Florida tourism in the second quarter of 2021, including a 6% increase from 2019 domestic visitation. Despite the statewide unemployment average increasing throughout the summer, unemployment rates in local counties dropped between June and July 2021, according to state labor statistics.

After shifting to virtual learning for several weeks, the sixth-grade class at Round Lake Charter School returned to campus Monday.

A man wanted for attempted murder in Apopka was last seen in Mount Dora, according to police.

Round Lake Charter School in Mount Dora announced Monday that it is quarantining its entire sixth-grade class due to an influx of COVID-19 cases and will continue classes virtually for the next couple of weeks, officials said.

T&N Market is on sale, once a community store is now the site of a painful reminder of a double homicide that took place last year.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Firefighters are battling a house fire in Mount Dora. Just after 3 a.m., Orange County Fire Rescue was called to a home on Clayton Street due to the flames. Video from the scene shows flames and smoke shooting out of the roof. It is not known if anyone was hurt in the blaze. Check back and watch Eyewitness News for live updates.

A person may be fined for loud music when driving through Mount Dora after the passing of a new noise ordinance.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora firefighters have been on a social media blitz trying to save a dozen jobs that could be cut at the end of the year. READ: Orange County Fire Rescue’s budget includes 4 new fire stations, training facilityMount Dora firefighters sent out a petition to the community, asking for support after they say the city was going to cut their staff. The petition reads: “The City of Mount Dora is pursuing the elimination of 12 firefighter positions from your fire department. Going from 36 firefighters, down to 24 firefighters.”READ: Orange County deputy married to man facing Capitol riot charges cleared in internal investigationThis would cut the services provided to citizens by a third, firefighters said. READ: IRS to issue more refunds to those who overpaid taxes on unemployment compensation©2021 Cox Media Group

An 18-year-old man from Mount Dora was killed in a single-vehicle crash

After a lengthy hiatus during the pandemic, the Modernism Museum in downtown Mount Dora is fully reopening its doors to the general public. The unique...

June 1 marks a historic day for residents of Mount Dora in Lake County as city council members signed a new proclamation formally recognizing June as LGBTQIA Pride month.

A man was hospitalized on Friday after being shot multiple times, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

Mount Dora considering changes to building height restrictions (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The face of downtown Mount Dora could change under a new proposal. The little town along Lake Dora has drawn visitors from all over, drawn by its quaint charm. Under a new proposal, the town leaders are considering allowing other buildings to also exceed the current height restrictions. READ: Tropical disturbances emerge near Texas, Bermuda ahead of hurricane seasonDenise Sendry moved to Mount Dora from Miami with her husband, and says she likes downtown the way it is. A town hall is scheduled for June 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora priest was reunited with her guide dog Thursday after the company that trained the dog reclaimed it from her without warning. Reverend Susan Blake has been visually impaired since birth. READ: Ocoee nursing home residents able to hug loved ones for first time in 15 monthsBlake says a worker from Southeastern Guide Dogs came to her home in March, unannounced, and took the dog, named Didi. Eyewitness News cameras were there Thursday as Blake was reunited with Didi after a preliminary order by a judge. Blake says the dog was taken care of and claims the company hadn’t even contacted her in more than a year before showing up at her home to take the dog.

On Tuesday night, Mount Dora City Council voted 5-1 to approve the development of a $50 million project next to historic downtown.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a 95-year-old man who went missing on Sunday.

Winter Park's regional superchain Foxtail Coffee Co. is getting even bigger. The company just announced two more locations in Mount Dora, bringing the total number...

Interim Police Chief Brett Meade has been appointed as the new Police Chief for the city of Mount Dora.

Firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a lightning strike Sunday at a home in Mount Dora, according to officials.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting Friday afternoon in which two individuals exchanged gunfire, officials with the department said. The shooting happened at Lincoln Avenue and Clayton Street, where shell casings were found in the road, police said, however, no victims have been found. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]AdPolice are looking for a black Honda vehicle that was last seen heading toward U.S. 441. Authorities are also looking for a Black male wearing a red shirt who was seen running from the area. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Mount Dora police.

FDLE issued a missing child alert Tuesday for John Weldon, who was last seen in the area of Mount Dora and could be with 42-year-old Daryl Weldon in a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Outlander with Florida tag IB14FR. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A missing 9-year-old Mount Dora boy has been found safe, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said. A missing child alert for John Weldon was canceled Wednesday morning. His mother told News 6 that he was located in a “remote area” of Minnesota and she’s making travel plans to be with him. Authorities said Daryl Weldon does not have custody rights.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – UPDATE: As of Tuesday, John Weldon has not been found and a missing child alert has been activated. ORIGINAL STORY: Mount Dora police have issued an alert for a missing 9-year-old boy who may be traveling out of state with a 42-year-old man. John Weldon, 9, was last seen Wednesday in the Mount Dora area. He is 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 55 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about the case it asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7136 or 911.

Mount Dora police officers released a sketch of a man who attacked a woman in the area of Highland Street and 9th Avenue. MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police officers released a sketch of a man who attacked a female victim in the area of Highland Street and 9th Avenue. Police said around 10 p.m. on Feb. 28 the man approached the victim from behind, grabbed her by the neck and took her to the backyard of a home. Investigators said the victim was able to escape once the man left her alone. Police request when using the QR code prompt to make sure to reference case # 21MD05856.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The 46th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will welcome art lovers and artists on Saturday not just from Florida but from outside the Sunshine State as well. Ronald Weltmer, a woodwork artist who lives in Eustis, is excited to be attending the iconic festival for the first time. Organizers from the Mount Dora Center for the Arts said their priority is the public’s safety. Deborah Barnes, a jewelry artist in Mount Dora, has been part of the festival for more than 40 years and is looking forward to her first show in a year. Visitors are asked not to stroll around the festival with food or drinks to prevent them from taking off their face coverings.

click image Photo courtesy Mount Dora Arts Center/FacebookIt's not going to look like this in 2021The massively popular Mount Dora Arts Festival is returning for its 46th year this weekend. The free annual festival — though you really should buy something — will be taking over the historic district of Mount Dora outdoors Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Expect to see art across all media — from clay to metalwork to photography and everything in between — as well as food trucks and live entertainment.This year's event is going to look a lot different than in previous years. Organizers have pared down the number of exhibiting artists to around 130 to make for a "smaller footprint," and artist booths will be spaced 10 feet apart with physical distancing in mind.Masks are required at this event, and sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the area.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Officers with the Mount Dora Police Department said they haven’t made an arrest in the double homicide at the T&N Market from Nov. 30, 2020. Khiem “Ken” Ba Trinh, 56, and Minh “Tina” Nguyen, 47, were shot multiple times during an apparent robbery at their Mount Dora convenience store, according to police. This update to the homicide investigation follows the release of surveillance video released by Mount Dora police. [RELATED: New surveillance video shows gunman inside Mount Dora store moments before deadly shooting]Meade said he is hopeful the investigation will produce beneficial information to their investigation despite some challenges. “This is a forensics-based case, unfortunately, there are no eyewitnesses both Ken and Tina were brutally murdered,” Meade said.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora will begin administering second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Health officials in Lake County said second doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be done by appointment. Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Jacksonville Monday, reassuring seniors that they will be able to get their second doses. This morning in Seminole County, health officials were on-site while they began rolling out about 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine, according to leaders. In Orange County, cars lined up for second doses of the vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The Lake County Department of Health will begin offering the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Dora this week. The DOH site will only be offering second doses at this site, no first doses, according to an email from Mount Dora Mayor Cathy Hoechst. It’s unclear when the site at 6803 Old Highway 441 South will begin giving first doses again as of Jan. 25. People who got their first dose from Lake County DOH will be contacted for an appointment. Beginning in February, by appointment only, the DOH will begin administering the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police say they’ve released video of a man burglarizing a local business in hopes that someone will recognize the culprit. The break-in happened at a business along Donnelly Street on Monday, police said. Police: Surveillance video shows man from business burglary (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Investigators believe the man may be involved in other incidents that occurred in the same area. If you recognize him, call Mount Dora Police at 352-735-7130.

Vaccination hubs to open across Texas; 3 locations opening in the Houston areaLAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Health Department of Health in Lake County opened a coronavirus vaccination site Monday with operations slated to run throughout the week. Health department leaders said St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora will help serve the northern side of the county. Patients 65 and older must bring identification and frontline workers must provide proof of employment. Health care workers will be required to present a copy of their medical license, employee badge or current paystub. People do not have to live in Lake County to get the shot.

Desecrated graves in Mount Dora (Polk County Sheriff's Office)During a news conference on Friday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that detectives served a search warrant at Lopez’s home where they found a shed with a religious shrine and seven skulls. Shrine in Lake Wales (Polk County Sheriff's Office)Before the men vandalized the grave sites, Judd said they drank Bacardi rum and spit it out on the ground. Authorities said DNA on those cigars left at the crime scene led them to identify the two men as suspects. “When asked about why a hero’s grave, He (Lopez) said because the spirit is much stronger in a hero than it is a normal person,” Judd said. “He complained that in the United States, it’s difficult in getting human remains to practice his religion.”Brian Montalvo, Juan Burgos-LopezBoth men were booked into the Polk County Jail on their Lake County warrants.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – DNA on cigars led to the arrest of two men who pried open caskets and stole human skulls from a Mount Dora cemetery so they could be used in religious rituals, according to Lake County sheriff’s officials. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the vandals disturbed four graves and attempted to access a fifth. Mother and daughter Tanya and Emma Boothe were driving along Britt Road in Mount Dora December 6, when they spotted an open casket. Records show Lopez said four of the skulls were taken from the graves and two were obtained from other practitioners. Lopez and Tolentino are facing four counts of disturbing the contents of a grave and four counts of abuse of a dead human body.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police released surveillance video Tuesday in the search for the gunman in a convenience store shooting that left a couple dead earlier this month. [WATCH BELOW: Surveillance video shows gunman inside T&N Market][MORE COVERAGE: ‘The man inside is dead:’ Woman calls 911 after Mount Dora store owners found fatally shot | Woman discovered Mount Dora shooting victims, left without calling 911, police say]Though authorities have not identified the gunman, they had made an arrest in the case. Dixon was connected to the case after she was seen in surveillance video recorded from outside of the store one minute after the shooting had occurred. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – More than one week after a Mount Dora couple was shot to death while closing their store, authorities have released a new 911 call detailing the moment residents found the shooting victims. “The man dead in the store, lady,” the 911 caller told the dispatcher. I don’t know if the killer’s still in here but the man in the store is dead,’” the woman said. Please call in those tips.”Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – An alert citizen driving by a Mount Dora cemetery saw something off and called 911 notifying the Lake County Sheriff’s Office about what they’re calling suspected ritualistic activity. Deputies said they were called Sunday afternoon to Edgewood Cemetery at 3333 Britt Road about a complaint of vandalism to some of the graves. [TRENDING: This woman received the first COVID-19 vaccine | Judge scolds theme park trespasser | Chuck Yeager dies at 97]The 911 caller said she was driving past the cemetery and noticed a disturbed tomb stone. “There are graves sites where the vault has been taken off and half of the coffin is gone,” the caller said. “If that was my family, I wouldn’t want somebody coming and digging them up,” the 911 caller said.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Human remains were stolen from a Mount Dora cemetery and used in some type of ritualistic activity, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they were called Sunday afternoon to Edgewood Cemetery at 3333 Britt Road about a complaint of vandalism to some of the graves. Deputies said the vandals disturbed four graves, all of which no longer held human remains, and attempted to access a fifth. Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to the vandalism by a woman who was driving past the cemetery and noticed a disturbed tomb stone. Deputies talked to residents who live nearby and they said they did not hear any loud noises coming from the cemetery.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – A woman was arrested Friday after Mount Dora police say she walked into a local business where a couple had just been shot and did not help. Dixon later told police she looked over the counter and saw Trinh and heard him moaning. Investigators said Dixon was recorded on surveillance video entering and leaving the store 1 minute after the shooting. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Brett Meade said investigators continue to search for the shooter and are closer to solving the crime. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A 43-year-old man was found dead Saturday after investigators say he was hit by a car. Investigators said the crash happened on Southbound 441 near Lincoln Avenue around 6:30 a.m. Saturday. According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers responded to the area and found Cruz just south of Lincoln Avenue. 1 killed after hit-and-run crash in Mount DoraOfficers said there were no vehicles in the area when they arrived but determined that the driver involved was the original complainant and returned to the scene. According to officials, the driver is not faces any charges at this time.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The second store owner who was shot during a robbery Monday has died, according to Mount Dora police. Khiem Ba Trinh (Ken), 56, left, and Minh Nguyen (Tina), 47, right, were shot at their Mount Dora store on Nov. 30, 2020. Mount Dora police on Wednesday released a video of the gunman now accused in this double homicide. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

Its good to see guests coming in and doing it responsibly, said Joshua Jungferman, owner of Pisces Rising, a restaurant in Mount Dora. On Wednesday, May 20, the duo dined in for breakfast at Cheesers Palace Caf in downtown Clermont. The climate is much different than it ever used to be, but were rolling with the punches, Walsh said. Additionally, Walshs staff is sanitizing all surfaces on a normal basis and dividers aka clear shower curtains have been hung between some of the tables inside. In return, Jungferman said what hes noticed is that customers, though some are not wearing masks, are being cautious about keeping their distance.

We are so excited to be back open, said Christine Swain, general manager of Fitness CF in Mount Dora. People are just so excited to come back.MOUNT DORA On Monday, more restrictions were lifted across the state by Gov. One of which included the opening of gyms and fitness centers as long as they adhere to CDC guidelines for safety. Other local gyms and fitness centers that re-opened Monday include Anytime Fitness in Leesburg, No Limits Fitness in Tavares and Brigadeiro BJJ / MMA Academy in Eustis. Planet Fitness, which has gyms in Eustis and Leesburg, have announced that they will not re-open until May 26.

At-large Mount Dora Councilwoman Crissy Stile will not seek re-election at the city level so she can run for the Florida House of Representatives District 31 post. MOUNT DORA Mount Dora Councilwoman Cristine Crissy Stile has her eye on a house the Florida House of Representatives to be exact. Thats not happening here.Stile is the owner of Barrel of Books and Games in downtown Mount Dora. The 44-year-old has held the at-large seat on the Mount Dora council since being elected in Nov. 2018. She was born in New York and she has lived in Central Florida for more than 20 years, first in Apopka before moving to Mount Dora.

Starting Monday, drive-up COVID-19 or antibody tests wont be offered at two previously open test sites: Adult Medicine of Lake County in Mount Dora and the Leesburg location in front of Pat Thomas Stadium. TAVARES Lake County is consolidating its coronavirus test sites and nixing the resident discount. Starting Monday, drive-up COVID-19 or antibody tests wont be offered at two previously open test sites: Adult Medicine of Lake County in Mount Dora and the Leesburg location in front of Pat Thomas Stadium. Previously, either test cost $20 for residents, with the county kicking in $65 of the cost. The data gathered is helping us to identify people needing treatment and isolation, as well as supporting the reopening of our local economy.

The nostalgia is real for Barnwood BBQ owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus. They are also offering bulk dinners including the pig out feast with 1 1/2 pounds of pulled pork, two pint-size sides, four buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $29.99 or the hog wild feast with two pounds of pulled pork, two quart-sized sides, six buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $39.99. Substitute brisket for pulled pork for $5. Try the rib rack, meat shack and a pig to go special featuring one full rack of ribs, one pound pulled pork, one pound brisket, two quart-sized sides, six buns and a bottle of Barnwood BBQ sauce for $64.99. Barnwood BBQ, 3725 W Old US Highway 441 in Mount Dora, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To recognize the late Christine Coles accomplishments and keep her memory alive, the city of Mount Dora and her husband, Gene Packwood, planted and dedicated a magnolia tree at Simpson Cove near Granthum Point Park in March. MOUNT DORA In 1994, Christine Cole founded the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair and spent the next 25 years of her life to making it into one of Mount Doras most popular annual festivals. To recognize her accomplishments and keep her memory alive, the city of Mount Dora and her husband, Gene Packwood, planted and dedicated a magnolia tree at Simpson Cove near Granthum Point Park in March. At the closing of the ceremony, two of her college friends and I poured out her ashes and worked them into the soil at the base of the tree, Packwood said. Now Christines remains can nourish this tree the way she nourished the plant and garden fair.Packwood and Cole met in 1994 at a Fourth of July celebration in Mount Dora.

click image The new Backhaus Bakery in Mount DoraIt may not have been 'Rona-related, but the closure of Backhaus Bakery in Ivanhoe Village hit me where it hurts ... in my stomach.I mean the bakery was my go-to spot for croissants , Black Forest cake, pretzels, and German honey for nearly a decade.Last month, owners Benno and Heike Deifel announced they'd be moving the bakery to Mount Dora after landlords of the property at 1213 N. Orange Ave. said they wouldn't be renewing Backhaus' lease.Now an eyeglass shop will be moving into the space.Meanwhile, the new Backhaus is poised to open tomorrow (April 16) at 2355 Old W. Highway 441 in Mount Dora. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, though the bakery will limit the number of patrons to three. Curbside pickup will be offered.Just call 321-800-5212 to place your order.In the meantime, feel free to send me your croissant recs. I'll read them through watery eyes.

The city of Mount Dora is hosting a Virtual 5-kilometer race from May 1 through May 3. MOUNT DORA Just because social distancing has become the norm doesnt mean you cant get out and run a race. Especially in Mount Dora. The city of Mount Dora is hosting a Virtual 5k race from May 1 through May 3. For more information about the Virtual 5K Race, contact Michael Davis with the citys recreation department at davism@cityofmountdora.com.

In the meantime, they are asking theater lovers to help however they can and patrons to donate purchased tickets for the canceled shows back to the theater. Ticket sales for current fixed seat subscribers are ongoing and new fixed seat patron sales begin April 14. Flex pass seat reservations begin on April 14. We are going to continue doing excellent productions, Barry said. We keep all the financial concerns in mind that the coronavirus is causing and will continue to do excellent theater.

Our mission is to reduce the instances of food insecurity through education, enlightenment, and empowerment. One of the ways we carry out our mission is through our Hello Beautiful Girl Period Project. You might ask how this correlates to food insecurity? Any obstacle that prevents or reduces the amount of money spent on food is a contributor to food insecurity, so we seek to provide relief and increase resources for food purchases. If you would like more information about my nonprofit organization visit us on Facebook at Kitchn Lyfe Skills.

According to a Mount Dora arrest affidavit, the arrest first occurred after Thompsons wife called police to meet her at Target, where she explained Thompsons alleged abuses and accused him of tying her up and forcing her to have sex. MOUNT DORA Mount Dora Police arrested a man Saturday after his wife accused him of raping her and abusing her on a daily basis. She also told officers Thompson would force her to make certain posts on social media or he would take her phone away. They arrested Thompson not long after at a residence on Foxboro Ct. in Mount Dora. Thompson denied the accusations and later told police that his wife had asked to be tied up for sex and that he did not force her.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sumter-Square-at-The-VillagesMount Dora 110The city of Mount Dora is celebrating their 110th anniversary with a night full of events on Friday. Starting at 6 p.m., guests can meet the Donnellys, Tom and Lisa Donnelly, 530 N Donnelly St. in downtown Mount Dora, as they perform in costume as J.P. and Annie Donnelly enacting what life was like in Mount Dora in 1910. Then head on over to Donnelly Park for period jazz music featuring the Mount Dora High School Jazz Band. The Mount Dora History Museum will also be open, which is the location of the first fire-station. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/133139701437547/43rd Annual Leesburg Art FestivalSaturday and Sunday, experience and discover art from across Central Florida at the 43rd Annual Leesburg Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown streets.

CLERMONT The Real Life Christian Academy baseball team was in a five-run hole, before it even came to bat in Tuesdays game against Mount Dora at Bishop Field. Thats the big picture.The Raptors scored four runs on two hits in the sixth inning for the win. Reid Lisle, who had a two-run homer in the fourth, scored the winning run on a single by Ian Thornton. Gabe Schlabach, Thornton and Jack Musgrave also scored to provide Real Life was insurance runs heading into the seventh. For West Orange, Max McClusky had three hits and Wyatt Moore had two hits, three RBIs and scored three runs.

And on Friday evening, there will all kinds of birthday celebrating going on throughout Mount Dora. And on Friday evening, there will all kinds of birthday celebrating going on throughout Mount Dora. Additionally, Art in the Alley Friday will feature reminiscent pieces form the era at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. The free exhibit, sponsored by the Mount Dora Historical Society, is a unique show of Mount Dora Archives most iconic historical images juxtaposed against local artists modern-day interpretations of the city. Well get to see Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly walking the streets of Mount Dora in 2020, Hoechst said.

With the win, Real Life improved to 7-0, while the Hurricanes fell to 5-3. Real Life had only two hits in the inning, but took advantage of four walks and two crucial throwing errors. Chase Roberts, the third pitcher used by Mount Dora coach Chad Drosieko, was tagged with the loss. Next up for Mount Dora is Ocoee at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Heim Field. Real Life will travel to Orlando on Thursday to play The First Academy at the Orel Hershiser Field.